Attending a yoga class for the first time can create anxiety, but choosing what to wear should not. Yoga focuses on calmness, control and flexibility, so clothing should not interfere with achieving those goals. It should be a comfortable "second skin" that permits viewing alignment and making postural adjustments as needed. Following some basic clothing guidelines will allow you to attend to salutations and poses instead of attire.
Tops
Consider comfort, confidence level and fashion when selecting a top. Search for fitted or semifitted tank, halter, camisole or tee styles that will not move or interfere with the face during inverted poses. Allow comfort and self-confidence to determine how snugly the top should fit. The material should be stretchy, soft and moisture-wicking--many yoga companies use organic or biodegradable fibers. Any type of athletic clothing will serve this purpose if yoga-specific clothing is not attainable. Select something that reflects your personality or causes you to look forward to performing yoga. A wide range of soft colors, bright colors, symbols and patterns are available to suit all tastes.
Bottoms
Unrestricted movement is the most important factor when selecting bottoms, so ensure the material is form-fitting yet comfortable and does not require adjustment while attempting to hold poses. Fitted or loose capris or long pants are popular for traditional forms of yoga, while shorts are ideal for "hot" forms of yoga. Avoid any type of bottom that has a drawstring waist because the strings will cause discomfort while lying facedown. Also wear pants that are an appropriate length to avoid tripping and to allow viewing of the feet if needed when setting up for poses.
Layering
Many companies produce layering pieces such as long-sleeved thermal hoodies and lightweight zip-up jackets. These are ideal to wear during cooler weather when traveling to a yoga class or to wear in a room that may be cold because it shares the air conditioning with other fitness classes. Layers can also aid in raising core temperature and loosening muscles during the warm-up and prevent chills during final relaxation when the body is not producing as much heat.
Shoes
Yoga is typically practiced barefoot--you can wear shoes or sandals when traveling to a class. Check the gym or yoga studio policy on shoes: They may have to be left outside or may be allowed to be placed along the room wall. Footwear options include yoga shoes with bendable soles, foot thongs that are strappy and only cover the ball of the foot or yoga socks with individual toes that prevent slipping. These are beneficial to individuals interested in added hygiene when borrowing a mat or increasing their traction.
Men's Options
The men's yoga wear market does not offer the variety of options available for women. Brands like Be Present, Lululemon, Natural High, and prAna manufacture practical items for men, and some are designed to be appealing for after-class wear. Comfortable choices include fitted T-shirts made from organic cotton or bamboo; moisture-wicking athletic shirts (sleeveless or short-sleeved) and shorts; pullover hoodies; long shorts and pants that are breathable and look similar to medical scrubs; and sweatpants that can be worn long or cropped. Most items are available in a range of muted, earth-tone colors such as olive, khaki, black, gray and burgundy.
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